Grenades only explode and anyone or anything that can be damaged within the radius of explosion can be heavily damaged and vehicles can even explode. Ideal for removal of hardened positions and enemies hiding behind cover, grenades are quite simple in theory. When thrown accurately, grenades do a good job of taking out intended targets. When thrown incorrectly, grenades can sometimes land near the player, injuring him and even killing the player.

In Grand Theft Auto IV, the player can drop a live grenade to the ground, but must run for cover before the grenade detonates. He can also cook a grenade for a short time before throwing at enemies. It begins beeping if it is held for too long. If the grenade is not thrown at enemies in time, it can explode, killing the player.